Entries in Play
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When you think of health - and especially weight loss - how do you imagine rest and relaxation fitting into that picture?

It can strike us as totally contradictory: rest and weight loss. Isn’t weight loss about effort and exertion? I’m supposed to be committing to the diligent labor of health and fitness - right?

The truth is, we absolutely do take on new endeavors when we follow a health journey. We put more care into shopping and food preparation. We hit the gym. We move more throughout the day. We get to bed earlier. In short, we put more energy into taking proper care of ourselves.

However, the underlying concept here - and the crux of real lifestyle change is this: we recalibrate our lives toward self-investment. This concept doesn’t put us on a path of unchecked exertion - but of personal balance.

The warm, sunny days, ample produce, and longer daylight hours make it that much easier to live a healthy, vibrant lifestyle in summer. Who doesn't feel a resurgence of zest and energy this time of year? Harness this feeling by creating some clear intentions for the season. (New Year's isn't the only time for resolutions!) The summer months are a great time to be outdoors, go on vacations, and get together with family and friends, but don’t forget about doing something good for yourself as well! Consider these seven possibilities (among many) that can help you prioritize play and wellbeing this season.

Think back to the games you used to play as a child: maybe tag, ghost in the graveyard, hop scotch, relay races, etc. Remember that heady mix of thrill and exertion: heart pumping, cheeks flushed, breathing rapid, senses alert? The thing is, I barely recall the exertion part. I was too excited. It was too fun. What a far cry from how so many of us view our workouts as adults. Exercise, we’re too often told, is serious stuff. It’s about measurements and regimentation. It’s Jillian Michaels yelling in your face. How did we get to this point? When it comes to a workout, when did so many of us accept the idea of all work and no play?